Under the heavy March skies Toronto had Emergenza to provide the soundtrack for two of its coldest and most brutal weekends. Thursday March 9th, the first evening of quarter final proceedings had a ska band in the name of ‘Stop Drop and Skank’ play the first set of the evening. They ran through their set, seven members all out for fun, with three horns two guitars and a very quick drummer. ‘Pandaemonium’ returned to the Emergenza stage with another soundscape metal set that proved that these young guys can really lay down black metal style. Vocal effects and a few props on stage made ‘No Data’s set their own brand of metal noise. Three parts Ontario one part Quebec make up the Indie rock outfit called ‘Dammit Christine’ watch their female drummer she kicks ass. ‘Lush Kings’ followed up with another great set of modern/classic rock or modern done classic rock style. They always aim to keep you keeping on. Dig It!, The Dr. Lang Band, fully vocalised by the drummer Mr. Lang himself, had a quick set and brought out some crowd pleasing favourites. With gallant style ‘Tomorrows Excuse’ alt. rock act from Cambridge ON, put on another impressive set for the quarter final round. ‘NDH’ has an interesting dynamic, acoustic and electric guitar and vocal effects for accompaniment. ‘Underrated’ made thursday night pass away with some inventive rock with a hard edge and a few good screams for good measure. March 10th, a balls to the wall old school metal band, from the small town of Kendal Ontario, no gimmicks no bullshit just pure fuckin’ metal, ‘Maraxus’ began the evening with just that. ‘Let it Reign’ was next in line. This Orillia Ontario conceived metal core band with heavy presence slashed through their quarter final round set. ‘You are here’, a catchy 3 pc.pop rock group put on a smooth groove laden set, without being candy coated. Next there was an ode to famous rock legend Neil Young played by a ska/rock troupe called ‘Swindle Kings’ done full with harmonica. Apowerful rock set by a powerful rock band ‘Darker Shade of Red’ gravely vocals accompanied by heavy rock riffs. ‘Borealis’ ..see them if you get a chance, returned once again, metal with operatic vocals, crazy brilliant. ‘Will of the Ancients’ always play speedy, slashing, dark black metal. ‘Les Six’ had a indie feel and finished off the night with a quick set to beat curfew. March 11th, with a reduced roster the bands played on.. ‘The Spank’ played jangly guitars and ‘Left handed Jazz’ brought the funk to the people with a South American contingent that made up part of the band. ‘Bandwidth’ have a unique pop punk flavour and put on a strong set. ‘Exordium’ put on another stellar set and with 3/4 of the band being female you really cant go wrong, kudos to the guitarist as well. ‘Easy Sleezy’ have become accustomed to being the finisher of the night when they play. They pulled out the smoke machine and added a talk box for an ambient and throw back feel. March 12th Sunday night, sparkling bright..found ‘Endsville’ on stage. ‘ Crimson in the Attic’ have an interesting appeal and an alt. rock sound not to be missed. ‘Audioout’ played their set with energy and were followed nicely loud with ‘NFC’. ‘Norman Project’ were very tight Sunday night and it had nothing to do with liquor. ‘Aidem’ never fail to impress even on a very cold night in Toronto. The Lurgs from ‘Valley of the Lurgs’ make metal noise sound like their own every night they come to play. Call that a wrap for quarter final weekend one.